Recognition of EU Ambassador, German Ambassador, Stephane Ohme
Development Counsellor, German Embassy, Peter Conze,
GIZ Country Director, Harald Gerding, KFW Country Director)
Acknowledging the Review Team:
a) Dr. Inka Hiltmann-Richter (Head of the Mission)
b) Prof. Guenther Pilz (International Expert on Sport for Development)
c) Dr. Hans-Heiner Rudolph (Head of Health and Education Section, GIZ Headquarters)
d) Ms Lynette Bernington(South African Expertknowledgeable in sport for development)
Acknowledging other Development Partners:
a) Mr Gerald Guskowski ( Project Manager, YDF)
b) Mr Patrick Simmonet, (Development Counselor, European Union Delegation to South Africa)
It is with great pleasure and honor that I host this evening, South Africa’s largest trading partners as well as major development partners, the EU Head of Delegation, Ambassador Roeland van de Geer and the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Dieter W Haller. [The DM may wish to recall the signing of the German-South Africa development cooperation framework agreement for €100 million signed with the Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan on 05 April 2011]. {The DM is also advised to congratulate Ambassador van de Geer on his appointment as the Head of the EU Delegation to South Africa and further recognize the EU support to South Africa since 1994}.
I am happy to note and recognize that our partnership goes beyond the areas of trade and investment and that we are mutually concerned with matters relating to sustainable human development: economic growth, employment creation, energy and environment, peace, promotion and protection of human rights, advancing democracy the rights of children and indigenous peoples.
We remain loyal and committed as a country and as the Department of Sport and Recreation in South Africa to strengthen our relations and partnership with the European Union and its Member States. We are equally committed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), therefore, our resolve as a government is to make sure that our development programmes are addressing issues of inequalities, more particular, the twin problem of unemployment and poverty.
We are committed to invest in education, health and wellbeing of our citizens, including the protection of our environment and natural resources.
As a department, we are distinctly dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and promotion of youth development. In this regard, we evidently hold in high regard the efforts of your support in sport and youth development such as the Youth Development through Football project implemented in partnership with the GIZ. I would like to acknowledge the support and the success of this project and our partnership with GIZ.
We had a remarkable partnership in preparation for and during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Our joint programme at the International Football Village “Ke Nako Africa” really presented South Africa and my department an opportunity to showcase our achievements to the local and international community.
This impressive programme also provided a platform for youth from the disadvantaged communities of South Africa and Africa, business, civil society, the United Nations and Government to engage in imperative development topics whilst celebrating the World Cup. The support YDF is providing to the Civil Society within the context of our Mass Participation Programme cannot be overemphasised.
As a department we have developed a “Road Map” to drive the strategic focus of our programmes and to ensure alignment with the key policy issues as captured in our updated White Paper and the Programme of Action of Government. YDF as a project will definitely play a central role in supporting the efforts to reach our strategic goals by providing the necessary technical support, sharing of models and tools crucial for youth development through sport.
As we develop our Sport and Recreation Plan, YDF is expected to make the requisite indispensable inputs; advising on policy directions based on best international practices and German experiences.
The gains that this project has achieved in partnership with my department need to be strengthened and immersed into our budget plans and programmes within the next two to financial years.
This calls for the prolongation of this programme with a clear strategy of capacity development and skills transfer to our Mass Participation Programme.
This progamme for that reason remains relevant and aligned to our strategic focus, notably the promotion of social cohesion through mass mobilisation. I would be extremely happy on behalf of my country and my department if we can make certain that this glorious programme continues at least, until 2014.
This occasion is not for long speeches, may I invite you, my esteem guest to join me for drinks and light snack.
Once again, thank you for your magnificent partnership.
